South Simcoe Police is committed to proactively teaching residents how to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime though education and awareness. To some degree, everyone is responsible for their own personal safety. Learning how to properly secure your home, your car, your business and doing what you can to protect yourself while out in the community are preventative measures that everyone can take.

Personal Safety while Walking or Jogging:

Always be aware of your surroundings

Travel in pairs when possible

Travel in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night

Carry a cellular phone

Tell friends or family your intended route and what time you will arrive at your destination

If you are a victim of crime, don’t fight back. Provide the best description possible

Cycle Smart – Be Seen Be Safe

Always wear a helmet – it’s the law. A properly-fitted helmet can reduce the risk of a serious head injury by 85 per cent

Put white reflective tape on the front and rear forks

Wear reflective gear, especially at night

Keep your bicycle in good shape

If possible, carry a bike repair kit and learn how to make minor repairs

Equip your bike with a bell or horn

Make eye contact with drivers

Never pass on the right as you approach an intersection

Never hitch on a motor vehicle

Obey all traffic laws, signals and signs

Always signal when you intend to turn or stop

Distraction Thefts

Distraction thieves work in teams and often approach their victims in busy parking lots with an offer of assistance – claiming your tire is flat, your vehicle has been damaged or that you have dropped something, including money on the ground. While you are distracted, an accomplice steals your purse, items from your vehicle or the vehicle itself.

Be aware of your surroundings

Don’t let yourself be distracted

Keep your purse or wallet with you at all times

Don’t leave purchases in plain sight in your vehicle. Lock them in the trunk

Have your keys ready – don’t spend time fumbling for them

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

Criminals are opportunists - don’t give them the opportunity to make you a victim of crime. They can be very persuasive, using all types of excuses, explanations and offers to lead you away from using your common sense. Fraud can be avoided when you don’t participate. It is important to be armed with information. Education, good judgment and a healthy dose of skepticism are the best defences against becoming a victim of fraud.

Don’t open the door to strangers

Do not give money or information about personal finances to strangers or untrustworthy persons

Never give personal or financial information over the telephone or Internet without verifying if the person or company is legitimate

Never say you are alone

Ask for credentials from anyone who comes to your door, including delivery and service people

Ask for receipts

Report suspicious people and vehicles to police. We will respond to these calls

If an offer sounds too good to be true, then it probably is

Never give out your passwords or PIN

Be cautious. You have the right to check out the investment or buyer by requesting written information, seeking references, asking questions, weighing the answers and taking time to think over the offer

Identity Theft

Prevention is the best protection against fraud or identity theft. This type of theft has become an increasingly popular crime in Canada as a result of advances in technology. Identity theft is the stealing, misrepresenting or hijacking of another person's identity.

Identity thieves do not need a lot of information to carry out criminal activity that could compromise or damage your identity.

Never provide personal information such as SIN, date of birth, credit card numbers or PINs over the telephone or Internet unless you initiate the call or can verify the person or business is legitimate

Never leave receipts at bank machines, bank wickets, in garbage cans or at unattended gasoline pumps. Shred paperwork you no longer need

Immediately report lost or stolen credit cards

Carefully check your statements for unusual activity

Never loan your credit cards to anyone and sign all credit cards when you receive them

Cancel credit cards you do not use and keep a list of the ones you use regularly

Promptly remove mail from your mailbox and do not leave pieces of mail lying around your residence or work site

Do not give out personal banking information

Memorize your personal identification number (PIN)

Never disclose your PIN to anyone

Do not use obvious numbers for your PIN

Never leave your purse or wallet unattended

Preventing a Robbery

Be aware of your surroundings

Criminals are opportunists – walk confidently, know where you are going

Travel in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night

Avoid being over-burdened with packages and over-sized purses

Use extra caution at bank machines and don’t use them if they look tampered with

If you are a victim of robbery, cooperate and be the best witness possible

Preventing Robbery At Home

Install lighting around the exterior of your home

Know who is at your door before opening it

Do not discuss what you possess in your home

Do not bring articles or cash from your business to your home – cash should be deposited at a bank or left at your business